Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report

With the month of July almost gone, I must say that fishing conditions have been anything but typical.

Water levels have been higher than in previous years, and if you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know that the fish are not located where they normally would be during this time of the year.

My plans to fish the southern end of the Mosquito Lagoon were killed, because of the problems with the space shuttle launch, so, most of the fishing my wife and I have been into, is what we call "jump fishing".

The Mosquito Lagoon has been producing nice sized trout since early June, and is now warming up to the Snook bite.

Some nice Snook being caught north of the spoil islands, as well as sporadic schools of tight lipped redfish farther to the south and eastern flats. Fishing the edge of the flats, on the drop, is a sure fire bet for the large trout that lurk there, as well as black drum that are still in all areas of the lagoon.

The no motor, pole only zones, always produce schools of tailing redfish, and the bite has been slowly picking up during this past week.

Unfortunately ,the glassy, flat, calm, early morning fishing that you normally expect this time of year, hasn't been happening. The big fish are still there, but the windy conditions make it more difficult to sight fish for them. Hopefully, the next few weeks should see some improvement.

The big tarpon that are normally in the Indian River, and Mosquito Lagoon during this time of year, still have not appeared in any number. I have seen many smaller tarpon in both of the estuaries, but the larger ones are still AWOL.

Don't fret, there are still tons of trout, ladyfish, jacks, and black drum to catch when the redfish and tarpon don't cooperate.

My lures of choice are a gold Johnson sprite spoon, a 3" CAL on a jighead, or a Creme swimbait. I also like using a DOA Terror Eye, in the gold/black body color and red eye combination.

When conditions permit, early mornings also call for a Chug Bug, or Skitter Walk top water lure. Big trout love em!

Till next trip, tight lines!